Challenges of Applying Question Method in Teaching and Learning Concepts in Psychological Sciences in the University

Abstract

Question is frequently used by all teachers in psychological science but also inadequately applied in teaching and learning psychological science. In question setting there are three important domains which constitute cognitive, affective and psycho motor. The two classification of cognitive and affective are known as taxonomy. Each domain therefore is organized in a hierarchical order meaning that within each domain exists organization in which it represents, which is known as levels. In cognitive domain there are six levels of knowledge that is knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis and synthesis and evaluation and on the affective domain involves five levels as follows; receiving, responding, valuing, organizing a value set and characterizing by values complex. There are some key terms used in each level. The problem lecturers do not set questions which test all the levels in cognitive and affective domains, so that learners can be able to answer concepts clearly and balancing knowledge and skills gained. The objective of the paper is to investigate whether lecturers use taxonomy in setting questions for learners in psychological sciences in the university level. The research adopts survey method by taking sample papers of social/psychological sciences in ten universities through convenience sampling technique. The key findings indicates that lecturers usually set questions which test knowledge and comprehension levels and do not set questions in application, analyzing and synthesis levels. These is shown through the commonly key terms used such as explain, list, name, what, differentiate, discuss and omitting key terms like apply, design, analyze, distinguish, determine, evaluate, illustrate and assess. It is therefore concluded that question method is not properly used or applied in teaching and learning psychological sciences. It is recommended that the lecturers to use taxonomy of setting questions to ensure that there reliability and validity testing and evaluating learners psychological sciences.